What is Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)?

Hyperhidrosis is a medical term that refers to excessive sweating. It is characterized by the production of more sweat than usual. Sweating is an important physiological process for regulating body temperature and keeping the skin surface moist. Hyperhidrosis typically occurs in areas such as the armpits, palms, soles of the feet, and face. This condition can affect a person's daily life, social interactions, work performance, and overall quality of life.

What Are the Causes of Hyperhidrosis?

• Primary (Essential) Hyperhidrosis: 
  In this type of hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating occurs without a clear cause. It is believed to be influenced by genetic factors and is more common in individuals with a family history of hyperhidrosis. It is a condition associated with the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is a system that regulates automatic and involuntary functions of the body, and sweating is a function controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Irregularities or overactivity in the autonomic nervous system can contribute to hyperhidrosis. It often begins during adolescence or early adulthood and can persist throughout life. This type of hyperhidrosis typically affects areas such as the hands, feet, armpits, and face.

• Secondary Hyperhidrosis: 
  This type of hyperhidrosis results from an underlying health condition or factors. Some common causes include:

  • Hormonal changes: 
    Conditions such as menopause, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances can lead to hyperhidrosis.
  • Side effects: 
    Some medications, especially antidepressants, antipsychotics, and fever-reducing medications, can cause excessive sweating.
  • Metabolic disorders:
     Metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and kidney failure can cause hyperhidrosis.
  • Nervous system disorders: 
    Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction can lead to excessive sweating.
  • Infections: 
    Certain infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, bacterial, or fungal infections can cause hyperhidrosis.
  • Anxiety and stress:
     Intense stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and similar conditions can lead to hyperhidrosis.
  • Excessive heat or humid environments: 
    Being in hot climates or humid environments can also increase sweating.
    
    

What Is the Autonomic Nervous System and How Is It Related to Hyperhidrosis?

The autonomic nervous system is a part of the nervous system that regulates and controls body functions. This system regulates functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sweating, which occur automatically. The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Sympathetic nerves trigger the "fight or flight" response in times of stress or danger, while parasympathetic nerves are active during rest and digestion.

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction refers to abnormalities in the normal functioning of this system. In this condition, functions like sweating can also be affected. Hyperhidrosis, especially primary hyperhidrosis, can occur due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Excessive activity of sweat glands leads to a disruption in sweat regulation. The autonomic nervous system normally controls nerve signals for sweating. However, in individuals with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, this regulation may be disrupted, leading to excessive sweating.

What Are the Symptoms of Hyperhidrosis Associated with Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?

In individuals with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, other symptoms may also be present along with hyperhidrosis. These may include tachycardia (rapid heart rate), postural hypotension (dizziness or fainting when standing), abnormal sweating patterns, and digestive issues. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction typically affects sweat glands in various areas of the body, so excessive sweating may particularly concentrate in areas such as the hands, feet, armpits, and face.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is made through a detailed evaluation and tests. The doctor evaluates the patient's symptoms and medical history, performs a physical examination, and may request laboratory tests or imaging methods if necessary. Tests such as blood tests, hormone tests, sweat analysis, and certain imaging methods may be used to determine the underlying cause of hyperhidrosis.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Treated?

Conservative treatment methods can be applied in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. These may include antiperspirants, sweat-regulating medications, and neurotoxin injections. These methods may be effective, especially in mild cases. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered. A surgical procedure called endoscopic sympathectomy aims to block sweating signals by cutting sympathetic nerves. This method is often used for excessive sweating in the hands. However, before considering surgical options, it is important to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits.

How Is Functional Medicine and Holistic Approach Used in the Treatment of Hyperhidrosis?

Functional and holistic medicine approaches aim to treat the underlying causes of the disease rather than just treating the symptoms. By addressing the underlying factors of hyperhidrosis, the treatment plan is personalized. These factors may include hormonal imbalances, stress, dietary habits, toxin accumulation, immune system issues, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, among others.

The treatment plan is determined according to the individual needs of the patient. This plan often includes regulating dietary habits and lifestyle. For example, individual recommendations may include stress management techniques, regular exercise, a healthy eating plan, and methods for detoxification. Additionally, if there are underlying hormonal imbalances, immune system issues, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies, the treatment of these conditions may also be included in the plan. These treatments may involve medications, supplements, or other methods to regulate hormone levels, strengthen the immune system, or address deficiencies.

If hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) is negatively affecting a person's quality of life or if there may be a serious underlying health issue, you can contact Dr. Tuğba Korkmaz in İzmir Bayraklı.